Which statement best reflects nonmaleficence?

• A. Do no harm
• B. Balance risk and side effects
• C. Balance risk, side effects, and patient utility vs social utility
• D. Respect patient preferences

Answer: (C)

Nonmaleficence means avoiding harm to the patient and minimizing any risks that care might impose. The clearest way to express this duty is the idea of “do no harm.” In practice, that means carefully weighing potential harms—side effects, toxicity, procedure-related risks—and choosing options where those harms are minimized or outweighed by benefits. The notion of balancing risk and side effects reflects how we apply nonmaleficence in real clinical decisions, but the fundamental obligation remains to prevent unnecessary harm to the patient. Balancing patient utility versus social utility goes beyond this patient-centered harm avoidance and enters broader questions of justice and societal impact. Respecting patient preferences, on the other hand, aligns with autonomy.